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Earn a Companion Pass and up to 40K Points With Southwest Personal Cards

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Jarrod West,Juan Ruiz
Edited by: Nick Ellis
& Stella Shon
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LIMITED-TIME OFFERIHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card

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Earn 140,000 175,000 Bonus Points
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Earn 50,000 70,000 bonus miles

One of the most sought-after airline perks is the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass, which grants the holder the ability to bring a companion on any Southwest flight, including award tickets at no additional cost (aside from a minimal tax of $5.60 for flights within the U.S.).

When you consider that you can use the Southwest Companion Pass on flights where you can redeem points, the deal becomes even more lucrative.

If you want to obtain Southwest’s Companion Pass and increase your Rapid Rewards points balance, these extraordinary welcome offers on the Southwest co-branded cards just might be what you’ve been waiting for.

Currently, all 3 cards offer generous welcome offers, including the ability to earn the Southwest Companion Pass and up to 40,000 bonus points. Here is a full look at all of the details.

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Southwest Limited-Time Companion Pass Welcome Offers

Through Tuesday, March 10, 2026, you can earn the Southwest Companion Pass and up to 40,000 bonus points with these elevated welcome offers:

We value Southwest points at roughly 1.3 cents apiece, so the 20,000-point bonus offer on the Southwest Plus card, the 30,000-point bonus offer on the Southwest Premier card, and the 40,000-point bonus offer on the Southwest Priority card are worth $260, $390, and $520, respectively.

Southwest planes at Atlanta Airport ATL
Image Credit: Daniel Ross

That said, with the addition of the Companion Pass, the welcome offer on any of these 3 cards could provide you with hundreds, or even thousands of dollars in value, depending on how often you use it.

Hot Tip:

These cards also offer a range of benefits that can enhance your Southwest Airlines experience. In addition to earning valuable Rapid Rewards points and the valuable Companion Pass, you’ll also enjoy perks like anniversary points upon card renewal, free checked bags, priority boarding, complimentary seat selection, and more.

Which Southwest Card Should You Choose?

Here is an overview of how the benefits stack up for each Southwest credit card to help you decide which is best for you.

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Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit CardSouthwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Bonus Categories

  • 2x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on the first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points on the first $8,000 in combined spend at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year
  • 1x points on all other purchases
  • 4x points on Southwest Airlines eligible purchases
  • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1x points on all other purchases

Southwest Perks

  • 3,000 anniversary points each year on your card renewal
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions
  • Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • 1 promotional code for a 10% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare)
  • 6,000 anniversary points each year on your card renewal
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions
  • Standard or Preferred seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available
  • Group 5 priority boarding
  • Earn Tier Qualifying Points for your spend
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • Yearly promotional code for a 15% flight discount (excludes Basic fare)
  • 7,500 points each year on your cardmember anniversary
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 8 traveling companions
  • Complimentary Preferred or Standard seat at booking
  • Receive unlimited complimentary upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure, when available
  • Group 5 priority boarding
  • Earn Tier Qualifying Points for your spend
  • 25% back on inflight purchases
  • Receive a 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying point boost each year

Card Protections

  • Baggage delay insurance
  • Lust luggage reimbursement
  • Extended warranty coverage
  • Purchase protection

Annual Fee

  • $99
  • $149
  • $229

If you mainly want to earn the Southwest Companion Pass at the lowest possible out-of-pocket cost to you, the Southwest Plus card is the best option.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card makes it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
This card makes it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Companion Pass + 20k points
$2,015
$99
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

If you spend a lot of time in the air, it’s important to get a great deal on your plane tickets.

Southwest Airlines can help you get those deals.

One way to save is by using the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card. This card helps you earn points for all your spending, and earning more reward points is always a good thing for a busy traveler!

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on the first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year
  • 3,000 anniversary points each year on your card renewal
Cons
  • $99 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 20,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 3,000 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year
  • Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.
  • Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
  • Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

If you envision flying with Southwest quite often and want to benefit from perks like complimentary extra legroom seat upgrades, the Southwest Priority card will suit you better.

LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, preferred boarding and seat selection, and money back on inflight purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)
This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, preferred boarding and seat selection, and money back on inflight purchases.
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 40,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Companion Pass + 40k points
$2,275
$229
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Southwest Priority card is the most premium personal Southwest card offering from Chase. It offers multiple bonus categories to help you earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points and is loaded with valuable benefits for Southwest flyers.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 4x points on Southwest Airlines eligible purchases
  • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
  • 1x points on all other purchases
Cons
  • $229 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable points
Card Highlights
  • Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 40,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 7,500 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and restaurants
  • First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
  • Select a Preferred seat at booking, at no additional charge, when available.
  • Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: $0
Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Those who want more benefits than the Southwest Plus can offer, but don’t want to pay the annual fee of the Southwest Priority card, then the Southwest Premier card is the perfect middle ground.

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!
Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Companion Pass + 30,000 points
Up to $390
$149
19.24% - 27.74% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

Another week, another flight. Flying weekly can get tiring, but you know that every flight gets you closer to taking some great vacations with your significant other or your favorite travel buddy.

To save money on the flights, you like to use Southwest Airlines.

So why not get the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card to help you earn extra Rapid Rewards points?

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
  • 2x points on the first $8,000 in combined spend at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year
  • First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 additional passengers on the same reservation
Cons
  • $149 annual fee
  • Does not earn transferable rewards
Card Highlights
  • Earn Companion Pass through 2/28/27 and 30,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 6,000 anniversary points each year.
  • Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases, including flights, inflight, and Southwest gift cards.
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at grocery stores and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year.
  • First checked bag free for Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation.
  • Select a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.
  • Cardmembers and up to 8 passengers in the same reservation will board with Group 5 giving them earlier access to overhead bins.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 19.24% - 27.74% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

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Final Thoughts

Considering that Southwest’s Companion Pass normally requires 135,000 qualifying points or 100 qualifying one-way flights per calendar year to earn, these welcome offers on these co-branded consumer cards from Southwest are quite generous.

If you’ve been planning on getting a Southwest Companion Pass, these cards are the most cost-effective way to accomplish this goal. However, you’ll want to move quickly and apply since these welcome offers are only available through March 10, 2026.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 8 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year, and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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